Ford Taps Autobytel's AIC to Power Vehicle Comparison Tool at fordvehicles.com

IRVINE, Calif.--Oct. 2, 20032, 2003--

AIC Provides Ford's Web Visitors with Up-to-Date Multi-brand Vehicle Information, Available in English and Spanish

Autobytel Inc.'s vehicle data division, Automotive Information Center (AIC), has been selected by Ford Motor Vehicles Company's Ford division to power the vehicle cross-comparison feature at fordvehicles.com. AIC data will also power the Spanish-language cross-comparison tool at the En Espanol area of the site. The Ford/AIC solutions are designed to make it easy for Ford shoppers to quickly evaluate Ford models/trim levels versus multiple similar competitive brands in terms of pricing, specifications, features and options. The English-language solution launched in October and can be used at www.fordvehicles.com by clicking on the "build and price your Ford" button and following the easy-to-use directions.

"Our comparison tool is a key customer satisfaction feature on fordvehicles.com, so it is crucial that we work with a trusted leader in automotive data," said Ford Consumer e-Marketing Manager Joyce Mueller. "AIC's accurate, up-to-the-minute information on every OEM make and model on the market can help our customers make confident, informed buying decisions on our site."

AIC is delivering the Ford cross comparison solutions via Extensible Markup Language (XML) schemas. XML, an open format that enables the integration of diverse data, provides Ford with the flexibility to customize the way the AIC data is presented to shoppers in terms of branding, layout, etc.

"Ford has always been ahead of the curve in understanding the value of multi-brand information for Net shoppers," said Autobytel Inc. Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Andrew Donchak. "We're pleased that AIC's XML solution will provide Ford with new flexibility in meeting the needs of today's increasingly feature-driven customers, while helping Ford continue its leadership in engaging the rapidly growing Hispanic segment."

AIC provides automotive data services to the majority of OEMs operating in North America -- powering initiatives ranging from internal product planning to consumer marketing/research solutions. The company's products and programs are built around a comprehensive, continually updated vehicle database, which incorporates up to 500+ data points on every car and truck sold in North America. AIC's best-in-class suite of auto research tools, AutoSuite(TM), powers major Internet portals and OEM sites, as does the suite's Spanish-language analog, AutoEspanol(TM).

About Autobytel Inc.

Autobytel Inc. , a leading Internet automotive marketing services company, helps retailers sell cars and manufacturers build brands through marketing, advertising and CRM (customer relationship management) tools and programs. The company owns and operates the automotive websites Autobytel.com, Autoweb.com, Carsmart.com and AutoSite.com, as well as AIC (Automotive Information Center), a leading provider of automotive marketing data and technology. Autobytel is the industry leader in dealership lead management and CRM solutions and owns and operates AVV, Inc., a leading provider of dealership CRM and data extraction services. As the Internet's largest new-car buying service, Autobytel generates over a billion dollars a month in car sales for dealers through its services. Autobytel Inc. is also among the largest syndicated car-buying content networks, reaching millions of unique visitors as they are making their vehicle buying decisions.